Metadata Librarian

Description

The University of Kansas Libraries seeks a knowledgeable, enthusiastic and innovative individual to articulate and execute a vision for enhancing resource access and discovery in the evolving world of diverse library collections and digital scholarship.   The Metadata Librarian provides leadership to the University of Kansas Libraries and the campus community on the creation, analysis and curation of metadata.  The position serves as the Libraries’ primary resource for non-MARC metadata design, structure and standards.

Reporting to the Assistant Dean for Information Technology and Discovery Services, the Metadata Librarian is a member of the Metadata, Data, and Discovery Services team.  The Metadata Librarian develops workflows for efficiently incorporating high-quality metadata into repositories, publishing platforms, and other systems.  In close collaboration with colleagues throughout the Libraries, the position defines, coordinates, and completes projects that improve management of and access to digital resources.  The Metadata Librarian consults with faculty and campus researchers on metadata and data in support of digital scholarship to enhance research, teaching, and learning at the University of Kansas.

This is a full time, 12-month, tenure-track faculty position. See Handbook for Faculty and Other Unclassified Staff for criteria.

Rank considerations are based on professional performance, research, and service experience sufficient to qualify for appointment at the rank of Assistant Librarian, Associate Librarian, or Librarian. Exceptional candidates at higher ranks may, in some cases, be considered. For additional details, see KU Libraries’ Criteria for Ranks  and the Libraries' Discipline Expectations.

Responsibilities

70% Professional Responsibilities

•  Provides expertise on metadata production and workflows for description, discovery, access, administration and preservation of digital objects
•  Creates, enhances, and curates metadata for digital collections that promote interoperability and discovery, including migrating existing data into new structures and formats
•  Collaborates with internal and external partners in the selection, design, and adaptation of metadata schema, controlled vocabularies, and data dictionaries
•  Expands staff awareness of and experience with emerging metadata standards and formats, developing documentation, and providing training.
•  Collaborates with local, national, and international partners on research to advance the effective use of metadata in digital library services.

20%  Research
Contributes to the profession's collective knowledge by engaging in scholarly research activity. Research may involve the publication of articles, books, book reviews, grant-supported inquiry, or editorial work.

10% Service

• Engages in service to the Libraries, the University and to professional organizations by participating in committee work, projects, and other contributory achievements.
• Represent KU Libraries in regional, national, and/or international professional organizations of relevance to higher education and academic libraries.  Participate in regional, national, and/or international consortial collaborations.

Required Qualifications

• ALA-accredited MLS by date of appointment.
• Demonstrated experience working with standard metadata formats (e.g., MODS, EAD, RDF, PREMIS, etc.) as evidenced by application materials,
• Excellent written communication as demonstrated by application materials.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated initiative in investigating new ideas and implementing change.
• Excellent oral communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse constituents.
• Experience using a programming language (e.g., Python, Ruby, PHP) to automate tasks and interact with APIs.
• Familiarity with XML/XSLT and JSON.
• Experience transforming metadata between standard formats.
• Familiarity with principles of cataloging, controlled vocabularies, and linked data.
• Ability to provide effective individual and group training.
• Engagement in national/international standards and professional organizations related to metadata.
• Experience with DSpace, Fedora Commons, Islandora, and/or ArchivesSpace.

Application deadline is July 6, 2016.

Apply at https://employment.ku.edu/academic/6075BR